The debate over the Ballon d'Or remains wide open, and Harry Kane continues to be mentioned among the leading contenders after another season filled with goals. However, not everyone believes the Bayern Munich striker deserves to win football's most prestigious individual award.

One of the strongest critics has been former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit, who believes the England captain has fallen behind in the race because of his performances in the biggest matches for both Bayern Munich and England.

Speaking to Sport1, the 1998 World Cup winner explained why, in his opinion, other players have stronger cases to lift the trophy.

Petit Questions Kane's Performances on the Biggest Stage

For Petit, Kane's remarkable scoring record in the Bundesliga is not enough to automatically make him the world's best player.

The Frenchman believes the striker failed to make the difference in several of the most decisive matches of the season, both in the UEFA Champions League and at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Petit, he expected much more influence from the England captain when the pressure was at its highest, particularly during the latter stages of both competitions.

Even so, Kane's numbers are impossible to ignore. The Bayern Munich forward finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer once again, enjoyed another outstanding Champions League campaign, and was among the tournament's leading scorers at the World Cup, achievements that continue to keep him firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation.

England's Long Wait Continues

Should Harry Kane eventually win the Ballon d'Or, he would end one of the longest droughts in English football history.

The last England player to receive the prestigious award was Michael Owen, who won it in 2001 after an unforgettable season with Liverpool.

Kane would also become only the fifth English footballer to win the Ballon d'Or, joining an exclusive list that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner in 1956; Bobby Charlton, who claimed the award in 1966; Kevin Keegan, who won back-to-back titles in 1978 and 1979; and Michael Owen.

The Race Is Still Wide Open

Despite Petit's criticism, the battle for the Ballon d'Or remains completely open.

The Bayern Munich striker still has a strong case thanks to his extraordinary goalscoring numbers and the trophies he helped his club win throughout the season. However, performances in decisive matches and major international tournaments often carry significant weight in the voting process and could ultimately favor other candidates.

For now, Emmanuel Petit's comments have added another perspective to what promises to remain one of football's biggest debates until the winner of the Ballon d'Or is officially announced. While many believe Harry Kane's statistics speak for themselves, others argue that winning football's highest individual honor also requires delivering when it matters most.

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